Fred the Moustache Man

Brody received these moustaches for his birthday.  Colt thought they were the greatest thing and had fun being "Fred" with all his different hats and sunglasses to go with it. 

Brody joined in on the fun too. 

I love these boys!

My daughter

For those that know me well enough you already know that I have always wanted a big family.  The number I always tell people is 5 kids.  We aren't making any decisions about #5 yet, because we definitely want to enjoy Darby.  I have also said that if I had to choose it would be all boys.  For whatever reason, less drama, more action, sports, I just had it in my head that all boys would be so much fun. 

At the beginning of this pregnancy I wondered if I would have a girl.  What are the odds of having four boys? And what are the odds of my parents having 11 grandchildren with only 1 granddaughter in the mix?  But as the pregnancy progressed I had very little reason to believe it was a girl. I felt the same, nauseous etc., felt like I carried it the same (although I think I gained more weight with this one) and the heartbeat was exactly what the other boys had.  I was convinced we were having a boy! I had a few people say they thought it was a girl, but I thought they were just wishing for one.

When the doctor announced "it's a girl!"  I was shocked.  I laughed and cried at the same time.  Brad and I looked at each other and didn't know what to say or do.  It was like we were first time parents again.   I still don't know how I was so wrong.


I do know this.  I have a daughter (it's still strange to say).  She is more beautiful than I imagined and as perfect as can be.  She will make me a better person and a better mom in more ways than I know.  I am so thankful for her and so excited to see what God has planned for her life (and mine too). 

Another camera

Papa Bob & Grandma Shari took lots of pictures with their camera. It's nice because they were able to take some that I obviously couldn't capture with mine.

The boys meeting their sister for the first time.

Ollie wasn't sure about all the commotion.

A room full of people. 

Getting poked a few times.

Darby has a very shrill type cry.  The boys had to cover their ears when she was crying.  I hope this high pitched cry changes over the years, otherwise we could be in trouble.

This family picture turned out a little better.

More Visitors

We had a few more visitors in the hospital.  My good friend, Sara Jo, came by with a Chai in hand for me.  She has been at the hospital for everyone of our babies' births.  She is truly a special friend to me.

Grandma Shari came up on Thursday but then left a little before lunch time to take Ollie somewhere. (there isn't much for him to do in a hospital room).  Shortly after she left Grammy came with a few girl accessories for Darby.  She bought her this adorable pink lovey. 

Brad had a track meet Thursday evening so Aunt Jessi came up to keep me company.

Brad's friend, Uncle Eugene came by for a short visit.

We arrived home on Friday and that afternoon had a visit from my friend Dana and her two adorable daughters, Natalie & Charlotte.  They also brought us a yummy dinner.

We are so thankful for our family and friends that surround us and support us.

Happy 5th Birthday Brody B!

My first baby turns 5 today!   What a blessing Brody has been in our lives.  He is such a great big brother and a wonderful son.  Happy Birthday Brody B! 

(since he has already had a few birthday celebrations (and we have had another major life event) it seems a little anti-climatic but we hope we can make him feel special on his actual birthday. 

Family Pictures

When Ollie was born we did not get a family picture at the hospital.  I wanted to make sure I got one this time.  These aren't the greatest but at least we got one done. 

And a few with Darby and her brothers.

The boys singing to their little sister.

Love it!  Love it! Love it!

Fort with Uncle Brian

Brad and I wanted to go to the opening game of the Sounders.  We had a hard time finding a babysitter but ended up getting Uncle Brian to watch the boys.  They had a blast! 

The boths even built this fort, on their own, while Brian was putting Ollie to bed.   Uncle Brian let them go to sleep in it so this is what we found when we got home.

Colt slept in it until 5:00 in the morning and Brody slept there the whole night.  

We are thankful we were able to go to the game, especially since I don't know when I will be ready to go to another game.    Thank you Uncle Brian. 

Darby's video

A few more pictures of Darby and a video. 

(it's a very boring video but I know some will enjoy

watching those cute little newborn movements).

No longer the baby

My parents brought the boys to the room right after Darby was born.  Ollie was overwhelmed by all that was going on and wanted to leave.  Brad took him for a little walk and it wasn't too much longer before Papa Bob rounded up the kids and took them back to his house.  

On Thursday my mom brought the boys back up to visit.  Brad took Brody and Colt to preschool and speech class and my mom brought Ollie to see me.  Apparently as she was walking to the hospital Ollie kept saying "I don't want to go. I don't want to see Dr. Dave."  (Dr. Dave is who he associates any doctor or hospital with).  Thankfully my mom convinced him to come in. 

It was a much more calm environment and he quickly warmed up to being there.  Then he fell in love with Darby. 

I'm not sure how he will react when Darby is at home with us

but I'm so thankful that he loves her, for now.

Visitors

Aside from immediate family we have had a few visitors to hang out with me and to meet Darby. I am always so thankful for those that take time out of their day to visit.   Rachael and her two adorable kids, Titus and Megan came by.  They were so excited to meet Darby but were also wondering where the boys were. 

Uncle Ed came to visit too.

My dear friend Sara Jo took time out of her very busy schedule to swing on by.  She has been to the hospital (with a chai in hand) after each of my babies.  What a blessing she is to me!  

We are so thankful for our friends and family!

Pictures of Darby

Here are a few pictures of Darby. 

I'm not sure who she looks like yet mostly because I am still trying to adjust to the idea of this little baby being a girl.

Meeting Darby for the first time.

Brad calming Darby down.

Grammy, Brody & Darby

Brody is so in love with his little sister.

Grandma Shari & Darby

More pictures coming soon....